Eventing at Horseheath - Experiments in Shutterspeed

This is the second year that Horseheath has held Eventing. It is a very open and friendly event. I decided to experiment with shutterspeed as I do like images that show movement and particularly water spray. The first five pictures are taken at 1/1000th, 1/250th, 1/160th. 1/125th and 1/60th (also sixth photo). Show jumping and Dressage both 1/1000th. The slow 1/60th shutterspeed gave the sort of image I was looking for but the hit rate is very low indeed and difficult to control the highlights. 1/125th is probably the safest for panned shots so will try this also at the water jump.

Bluebell Time at Waresley Woods

The Bluebells this year are out along with the other spring flowers - Wood Anemones, Primroses, Celandine and Cuckoo Pint.

Devil's Dyke Newmarket - Pasque Flowers

Several of the Pasque flowers on Devil's dyke are only just coming into bloom - much later than the Royston ones. They are also much larger, growing in tall grass rather than short turf. Tried various apertures from 2.8 to 7.1 including image 3 which is focus stacked of 3 images at 6.4. Hundreds of St Mark's flies around, the males having large eyes, females (first image) smaller eyes. Named as they are abundant normally on St Mark's Day, April 25th. The very small spider and Weevil beetle were photographed at f22  but impossible to get it all in focus at that magnification

Baker's Fen Hide, Wicken Fen

We spent a couple of hours in the new hide on Baker's Fen. As we arrived, a Bittern flew across the reeds but did not reappear once we were set up with cameras. Most birds were very distant but this pair of Reed buntings played in the reeds close enough for some decent photos,

Meredith is Five Today

Our Granddaughter, Meredith, had her fifth birthday today supported by her sister Sadie. A small birthday tea at home today but the Belle dress is ready for her party on Sunday.

Visit to Newmarket Stable

Many thanks Geoff for showing us round Stanley House Stud yesterday - great to see so many healthy foals and mothers enjoying the sunshine. Ouija Board certainly thought the whole thing a laugh. I concentrated on manes, bristles and eyes including one shot of our party reflected in an eye